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Nelson’s heritage hotel

Where business meets leisure

Nestled in the heart of Nelson, our hotel stands as the prime choice for both leisure seekers and corporate gatherings. As the only 4-star hotel in Nelson offering guests 24-hour service, we ensure that your needs are met around the clock.

Our unwavering commitment to guest service sets us apart, and our welcoming team members are dedicated to ensuring your Nelson experience exceeds every expectation.

 

We take pride in maintaining a clean, inviting environment that reflects the essence of Manaakitanga, providing exceptional hospitality for all our guests and our community.

Whether you're yearning to explore the vibrant centre of New Zealand or planning your next special event, Rutherford Hotel Nelson, is the ultimate base.

Where business meets leisure

Nestled in the heart of Nelson, our hotel stands as the prime choice for both leisure seekers and corporate gatherings. As the only 4-star hotel in Nelson offering guests 24-hour service, we ensure that your needs are met around the clock.

Our unwavering commitment to guest service sets us apart, and our welcoming team members are dedicated to ensuring your Nelson experience exceeds every expectation.

 

We take pride in maintaining a clean, inviting environment that reflects the essence of Manaakitanga, providing exceptional hospitality for all our guests and our community.

Whether you're yearning to explore the vibrant centre of New Zealand or planning your next special event, Rutherford Hotel Nelson, is the ultimate base.

Take a 360° tour of Rutherford Hotel

Immerse yourself virtually in our hotel and view our facilities. Use the upper left menu to select a room. Click, drag or swipe to look and move around each room.

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We stand behind our promise

Here at Rutherford Hotel Nelson, we are actively working to reduce our carbon footprint and minimise our environmental impact. The ways we approach this include reducing our  energy consumption by way of investing into new efficient technology, reducing water consumption and focusing on recycling practices. 

We count ourselves incredibly lucky to be based in stunning Nelson and it is our dedication to preserving the extraordinary natural surroundings of our region that drives us.

We promise to showcase the best our region has to offer by sourcing local ingredients, supporting local talent, businesses, and charities and focusing our efforts on sustainable tourism.

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A Heritage Hotel with a rich history

Since 1972, Rutherford Hotel Nelson, has upheld its esteemed reputation for providing premium service and exceptional accommodation.

Our establishment, build on the site of a local former brewery, underwent a transformation into DB flagship hotel in the late 1960s, becoming a local icon that has stood the test of time. As a family-owned and operated establishment, we take immense pride in our storied history, cherished by locals and travellers alike.

 

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Rutherford Hotel History 18th September 1971 1 zoom icon
Rutherford Hotel History 18th September 1971 zoom icon
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1970

In 1970, Dominion Breweries acquired the site from Nelson Breweries and embarked on an ambitious project. JASMAD Architects designed the new hotel, constructed by Fletcher Construction LTD. The Kelliher family, owners of Dominion Breweries, played a personal role in the development. Lady Evelyn Kelliher curated the interior design, and the Kelliher art collection graced the walls of the new hotel, which was named The Rutherford after a celebrated local figure.

1985

In 1985 the ground floor public bars were converted into conference rooms and the eighth floor of the hotel was refurbished. DB carried out alterations to the hotel in 1985, which increased capacity from 97 rooms to 112 rooms, a reflection of a positive increase in tourism to the Nelson area during this time. 

1987

In 1987, the hotel was sold and became the "Quality Inn". The Rutherford name was taken away by Quality Inn, much to the dislike of the local people.

1991

In 1991 the hotel was purchased by Rutherford Hotel Holdings Limited, who returned the name of the hotel which has since remained "Rutherford Hotel".

1993

In 1993 the fourth and seventh floor bedrooms had been refurbished and the Presidential Suite was added to the seventh floor. One year prior, the Maitai Conference room on the ground floor was extended and upgraded and in 1994 the fifth floor was refurbished. 

1995

In 1995 the ground floor was redeveloped with the Rutherford Café being completed and the addition of the curved staircase to the first floor. In addition, Miyazu Japanese Restaurant was established and opened on the first floor. Following this, the Waimea/ Wairau conference rooms on the second floor were upgraded and the sixth floor was refurbished. 

1998

In 1998 the second floor restaurant and bar were refurbished with the addition of the glazed conservatory to the eastern side of the restaurant. Also during this year, bedspreads and curtains were replaced in selected rooms across the hotel. 

2008

In 2008, the exterior of Rutherford Hotel received an upgrade, with the exterior of the building being repainted.

2013

During the 2012 and 2013 years the hotel’s ground floor conference space was developed and extended to cater for up to 500 guests.  The hotel’s Rutherford Café was moved to the Cathedral side of the foyer and rebranded as the Atom Café in a nod to our local namesake Sir Earnest Rutherford and his achievements.

2017

In 2017, the hotel’s former manager's flat/3-bedroom apartment was extensively renovated. Air conditioning was installed in the entirety of floor 2 and all remaining hotel rooms. 

2022

Once again, the exterior of the hotel received a revamp, with a repaint of the exterior. 

2024

In 2024 the hotel received brand new carpets in the ground floor conference spaces. This year will see the hotel receive new elevators and an upgrade of all facilities. Watch this space...

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Secure Your Stay

The perfect destination for any occasion

For work or leisure, Rutherford Hotel Nelson has it all

The perfect destination for any occasion

For work or leisure, Rutherford Hotel Nelson has it all

View our facilities

View our facilities
Dine with us

Dine with us
Plan your event

Plan your event

Your luxury Nelson hotel awaits

Enjoy all that Nelson has to offer at Rutherford Hotel Nelson
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